Insegnare e divulgare (Una congettura elementare e due culture)

The role of language in science popularisation and teaching is examined. Some difficulties in going from an ‘elaborative’ (formalized, mathematical) language to a ‘communicative’ (colloquial, everyday) language are discussed. The activation of a primordial form of communication used in early childhood called ‘mentalese’, promoted by practical laboratory activities, could help.